A strange mix of the verb to make with the adverb kindly , “gently”, the expression take kindly to something is easier to understand than to explain – like, incidentally, so many others in the English language.
Although it may sound a little strange if you haven’t seen it before, take kindly to is actually a fairly common expression: it’s a slightly more euphemistic way of saying “to like” or “to approve”, or “to be in favor of”, “to view with good eyes”. Let’s look at some situations in which it might appear.
John just doesn’t take kindly to criticism , which is why no one tells him what they really think.
I
‘d take more kindly to your request if you didn’t have such a nasty tone when you said it .
She did
not take kindly to being offered advice .
It
is hard to imagine her taking kindly to too much interference .
My father doesn’t take kindly to anyone using his tools .
I hope
they ‘ll take kindly to our request .
She does
not take kindly to criticism .
They didn’t take kindly to his rude behavior .
He
‘ll take criticism kindly if it’s constructive .
After years of being looked after by his mother, he didn’t take kindly to being told to cook for himself.
Paul does not take kindly to laziness.
Paul does not look kindly on laziness .
Did you like today’s expression? Well, now you know: it’s time to open Anki and write down some of the phrases above. Happy training and see you next time!